AFTE Store - A Computer-Supported Method of Firearm Type Determination

This article is a slight modification of a paper presented at the 17th Annual AFTE Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. Type determination is based on reproductive class characteristics appearing on all ammunition fired from specimens of a group of firearms. The new method of type determination presented in this paper will overcome some of the shortcomings of the Mezger, Hess, and Haslacher procedure. This method is simplified for all examiners although it must be pointed out that in spite of the assistance of electronic devices, there is no equivalent substitute for an experienced examiner.